what the hell is the point of an appointment if you're just gonna get a ticket when you get there like the dmv. My appointment is at 11:30 and it's 12:30 and I still haven't been called up. What a stupid stupid useless excuse of a system. And to add everyone there seems to hate their lives like every other government building. They don't even call the numbers in order is so stupid, someone could show up after you and get called before you. In my case that's exactly what keeps happening. Stupid people and stupid systems i swear to god. read more

You can't just walk in. Apparently you have to somehow make an appointment but they don't make it easy to make an appointment. I walked in and waited 2.5 hours apparently just to "make an appointment" to come back. The appointment was 3 weeks after I initially went in. I had something come up and couldn't make the appointment- there was no feasible way to change it. It's 2025, there should be a booking website or something. I drove to the location, spent $6 on parking and waited almost 3 hours, just to have someone tell me to come back in 3 weeks of which I now have missed and don't know the best way to start this whole process over again. I'm a born citizen and just want to get my SS card replaced and it wouldn't let me do it online. Absolutely awful! read more

Amazing attentive and pleasant. From the point of arrival, the guards treat you with respect assisting you efficiently to take a seat without having to wait outside to get a number. Ease of arrival without appointment. You will be seen and treated with respect . All employees that have assisted me at this office all deserve the recognition. I take extra steps to visit this office when needed. read more

After waiting since August 2024 for my wife's spousal benefits application to be processed by the Madrid Spain Foreign Benefits Unit, I walked in for help on down town San Diego. MR TORRES helped me in person ! He verified my wife's original birth certificate and our marriage certificate....and then uploaded all to the SSA portal so the Madrid FBU to know hopefully approve and process. TERRIFIC service!!!! read more

I have been down to the downtown location 2x in past month. Each visit I just did a walk in with no appointmen and each time from check in at Kiosk to leaving was less than (1) hour. Today, Carlos Zepeda met and exceeded my expectations. I appreciate what these folks do with professionalism. read more

I had to come into the Front Street location to replace a lost Social Security Card. I put this off for a long time as I didn't want to deal with going in and waiting in a crazy lobby all morning long. There are plenty of other things I can think of I'd rather be doing. That being said, it was rather painless. The waiting area was nice and clean. Everybody working there seemed like totally normal people. It took way less time than I expected. 5 Stars for the Federal Government on this one. read more

Got there at 7:45 . Waited in line till 9:00. Long wait but worth it. Once we were in it was 15 minutes and done . Polite professional staff read more

We were at the office on 2/14/2025 and had a great experience. We were greeted at the door by a welcoming security guard. when we got inside we were helped by Sarah. She was able to explain everything and made us feel comfortable and confident. All in all everyone there were welcoming and kind. Diane Rothman read more

I don't understand why they are giving them a one star . Guards are friendly and helpful. I have seen them help the elderly too often . And they make sure that you are on the right place . I forgot the name of the person that helped me but she is very polite . Helped me out asap and even updated my citizenship as my bonus . read more

I just recently went to this yesterda, right before you enter the guard will assist you already what you need to do and if you dont have an appointment they will take instruct you to get a ticket number. You just gotta wait in line until they call your number which is very efficient and hepful. Good job guys thank you for helping us out keep it up read more

I contacted Social twice this month asking them where my SSI was and they told me I had my check directly deposited into another account. Which is totally false not True statement. Top it all off the second person I spoke with on the phone told me the same thing too and to go into any" Social Security tell them you are in dyer straights that you need them to print you a check" they will do that and to also take with you your ID and proof of direct deposit. The following day I went into the La Mesa Social Security office. I had proof of my identity and direct deposit. I arrived there and was told sorry we can help you, you need to have an appointment. I told them I did it was for tomorrow my appointment. The manager took it upon herself to cancel my appointment and make a new one for two weeks later at a different location without my consent. That same day I got a phone call from a lady at the office I had the appointment at that was canceled. She addressed my name and then started speaking to me rudely and aggressively telling me my SSI was terminated you are not longer getting SSI and hung up. I didn't even get a chance to speak or ask any questions. It was unacceptable. This is exactly how the situation played out with me and Social Security. I was lied to multiple times. I honestly feel like they should be sued for handling my Social Security with me being disable person. Author Joseph Ratican. read more

Deborah Schreiber is one outstanding representative, she is the best hands down at the Social Security Administration, Deo she is extremely knowledgeable and makes this complicated job look easy what a great employee and super good for all of us. read more

There is only one entrance. Like all government interactions, have your paperwork done prior to coming in and go early.

Posting a more recent review because the info I got from some of the reviews here is out of date! There is now only one entrance (the main entrance) and masks are required for entry. I was able to get metered parking right across the street from the entrance, which was great. I arrived on a Wednesday at 1:15pm, checked in at the kiosk, and waited for about 20 minutes before my number was called. The waiting room is fairly large and they have chairs spread out for social distancing. I was there for a last name change and had the form filled out with my documents. The lady helping me was very nice and I was out of there in about 25 minutes. They had close to 30 windows (not all open), but the line was moving fast. Much better experience than I was expecting as I was imagining an experience like waiting for hours at the dmv. read more

Coming in at 11 AM is really busy too! I would advise to come early if you can. There's at least 30 people in this room right now (11:12 AM). See picture for updates hours. This office is open until 4 PM, not 3 PM like it says on this site. I don't think there's a way to change it if the business (govt agency) doesn't claim this Yelp business :) read more

Social Security Administration - IMPORTANT: updated hours as of 1/27/2017 - Public Services & Government Near Me - San Diego, California

Do people ever write reviews for government services...let alone GOOD reviews?? NO. That is why I'm writing this one. Security guards are helpful and make you feel protected in a not so safe area. Every employee was kind, thorough, and seemed to like their job working for the govt....Crazy, right? I was in and out within AN HOUR on a FRIDAY, no appointment! Though I'd recommend making one if you can because people could cut through the line if they made one. I'd also recommend ubering there and back since parking is nutso and would probably add at least 40 mins to your trip there and back. They CLOSE AT 4, so get there plenty of time before they close if you can. read more

I got here at 9:20am on a Tuesday to apply for a name change. It started off slow but now they're going much faster in calling names. There were 8 people ahead of me. I was seen at 9:55am. I would have gotten here earlier but I was at another location where they don't allow for name changes. Do not go to the Aero drive location if you want any name change services. The people are friendlier than expected. There's a parking lot across the street ($15 fee) which is convenient. read more

Social Security Administration - Public Services & Government Near Me - San Diego, California

If you have an appointment it's easy breezy. Super busy so make sure to have an appointment. Super friendly helpful staff members. Clean inside and has a large waiting area to accommodate heavy traffic. read more

The most awful government run agency in existence. The worst...like going to the DMV without an appointment on a Saturday. Don't bother to apply online, waste of time. It will just delay the whole process. Bite the bullet, take a day off work, pack a lunch, and head down there early. Good luck! read more

Very fast service. Went about an hour before closing and they helped me out in about 20 minutes. Great staff to answer your questions as well. read more

Have to give 5 stars as the experience greatly exceeded my expectations. I arrived at 9:45 and waited 4 minutes to be seen. There is a large waiting room with plenty of chairs. Then the representative took care of my business in a most professional and efficient manner. Out the door in less than 12 minutes. Who says the government isn't here to help??? read more

This review is for the card service center on ASH street. We came here at 8:20am and there was already one gentleman in line. Our purpose of the visit was for a name change. They opened the doors about 5-10min early so you can come in, get a ticket, and fill out your paperwork if you haven't already done so. By the time 9:00am hit, there were about 18 people in the room. 9:03am was when the windows started to open up. We were called instantly and the process began. The guy who helped us just typed a bunch of things into the computer and made sure everything I had wrote down was correct. We were done by 9:11am. It was a pretty easy and painless process as we did get there early. As the other reviews had stated, you definitely do not need a personality to work at the office. The only one who actually had "life" in him was the security guard. He was very helpful and nice when people had questions. read more

How often do you give two thumbs up to a government agency?! I thought that changing my name after getting married would be a total pain-- I was imagining standing in line in some flourescent-lit 1960's style windowless office for hours to make this happen-- but I was completely wrong. I walked to the office about 45 minutes before it closed. When I arrived at the address, I noticed a real estate lease sign on the building and at first I thought the building was vacant but a friendly security guard asked if he could help me and pointed me in the right direction. Once inside, there was an electronic check-in, using a touch screen where you click on the type of service you need. I then got a ticket that gave me a number in the queue. There were rows of easonably comfortable chairs in the main waiting area (btw- lots of natural light from the surrounding windows). I could understand why there were two security guards posted there and the employees sat behind bulletproof glass. During the time I was there, a couple of people got really irate- didn't want to wait their turn and just stood there telling everyone their life story. I don't know what their particular situation was, but I can say that the SSA website is actually pretty informative and told me exactly what documents were required to perform my transaction. So if you do your homework before you show up, it should be painless. I waited for about 10-15 minutes- went to the window and the lady helped me and sent me on my way. Got my new card in less than a week! So I'll pay homage to those civil servants at the SSA! read more

I went in unplanned to the social security to change my name after marriage. I was expecting some crazy 4 hour wait like the DMV but I was only there for about 30 minutes. Great and quick service. Very polite security and desk clerks. I was at the desk and out the door very happy with my experience and my new name change make sure you go to the office around the corner of the actual 1331 address, that's where they do the SSN cards. Definitely yes! #YelpByJustine read more

Social Security Administration - Pretty empty on a monday morning - Public Services & Government Near Me - San Diego, California

Not as bad as i thought my experience would be here. I imagined DMV style lines and service. It was not at all the case. There are 2 entrances, one is for SS benefits and the second one if for getting our SSN number and other matters with SSN. When i came in, a nice security officer asked me what is the matter i came to resolved, i explained and he showed me to the machine where you get the appropriate number. There were around 20 pple in the room when i walked in. it was around 10 am in the morning. The office opens at 9. The line moved pretty quickly and it took me exactly one hour from entering the building to exiting to complete my entire visit to SS administration office. read more

WHAT? They changed the way this works -- get a replacement card is SO EASY and efficient now! The waiting room has COMFORTABLE chairs and is so clean compared to how it used to be. I printed out my application prior to going but they have applications on hand. Easy to fill out and understand but bring supporting documents. I was in and out in 25 minutes!! WHAT???? Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

This place actually went great. Got there Monday at 8:20am after parking in the parking structure down below, and had all my paperwork filled out. There were only 3 people in front of me in line, and a nice place to sit while we waited. Doors opened right at 9, maybe even 8:59. The "guard" at the front (Curtis I think) was very helpful and made the whole experience better. Took a number, and was out and back down to my car by 9:15! One piece of advice, make sure you line up at the right door. I heard some people line up on the other side of the building, and it isn't very clear. The address should be 1333 Front Street. read more

Call me Crazy, but I thought my experience was lovely! In all my life, I have never been to the SSA office. Reason for going: I needed to get a SS replacement card and get verification. How long: I think I was there a total 15-20 mins. I had no appointment. Why I'm impressed: ---------------------------- - The security guard greeted me and gave me clear instructions on where to get my ticket number and what to do. - The staff were FRIENDLY, yes FRIENDLY and courteous! - Got everything I needed from them quickly. - They had a clean bathroom. - They had a refrigerated water fountain for us thirsty pregnant ladies. - Plenty of chairs. - Waiting area was clean. - No crazy people or outrageous behavior. Totally fabulous! They were efficient and just super nice people. Tip: They close at 3:30pm and lock the doors promptly. Get there before then. Parking can be found on the street, I had no problems finding parking at around 2pm. Very impressed with this government office. They are doing a great job here! read more

DO NOT come here during the lunch hour (12-2) as all the agents are apparently out to lunch themselves so the wait is well over an hour and the place is packed. Also, bring every possible document you have if doing anything on behalf of a child-it's crazy how many different documents they require, including a child's photo ID so better hope you have a passport for your lil one (birth certificate, old soc sec card, med insurance card etc are not enough). Needless to say I left feeling frustrated and wasted a lot of time for what should have been a simple service. Adding a star bc once I actually got to talk to the agents they seemed nice and competent. read more

Any institution run by the government is subject to far superior scrutiny than any other. All I truly have to say is that at least it isn't the DMV. This place ran smoothly from the moment we entered to the moment we left. We actually received friendly service and were called to a window fairly quickly given the amount of people already waiting to be helped. I give major kudos to whomever decided to separate the social security offices to have one specifically for cards and others for varying services. It makes everything soooo much easier. Though the location isn't ideal due to the parking situation, it was the most convenient and friendly. Though I don't see any reason to return anytime soon, I at least know that I am willing to do so if need be. read more

Very easy and smooth process to replace my social security card. From beginning to end it was effortless. Parking was relatively easy in the downtown area (meter parking). I paid $1.29 which is about an hour and some spare minutes. The security guards were friendly and helpful. One of the security guard handed me the paper work by the time was done my number was called. read more

This is ridiculous! Monday morning, all chairs full, 3 outta 7 windows open and some clerks get up and and take a break after only helping two people (averaging about 10mins of service time). There is noooo excuse for this. Employ more people. We have lives too. read more

Got married, and my first stop in the name change process was the Social Security CARD office. This part of the office is actually located at 109 West Ash Street (there's a sign near the door of the Front Street office to go around the corner to the left). Once inside, I walked down the ramp, used the kiosk to get my number and sat down. Unfortunately for me, I forgot a book. I sat around listening to other people's bit of conversation like "the IRS told me..." or "that's not what they said 15 years ago...". After more than 45 minutes, my number got called. Told the guy I needed a name change, and gave him my completed application plus all original required documents. He was quick, efficient, and polite. I walked out the door less than 5 minutes later. Minus one star for the long wait but 4 stars for great service. Tip 1: Original, you say? The person before me was told she had to come back b/c they don't accept copies. See here: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10513.pdf Tip 2: Since I already took the day off to go to the SS office, the guy who helped me told me I could go to the DMV later that same day with my Social Security letter/receipt he gave me. I did, armed with driver's license + Social Security letter/receipt + marriage license + $26 + lots of free time, and walked out with a hole stamped in my driver's license and a temporary license with my new name! read more

I actually had a pleasant, insanely fast trip to the SS office, but here's the trick: IF YOU CAN, ARRIVE 30 MINUTES BEFORE THEY OPEN!! AND PRINT/COMPLETE YOUR FORMS BEFORE YOU COME! I got to the building 30 minutes before and was third in line. By the time the doors were unlocked, the line was 15-ish people deep. About two minutes after the doors were unlocked, the line was out the door, down the block. I needed a replacement card, so I had printed off and completed the form the day before. I had every piece of identifying documentation possible, but all they needed was my driver's license. Yes, I was sitting outside the building for 30 minutes, but by doing this I was in, done, and out of the social security office in THREE MINUTES. BOOM! Got my replacement card in a week, as promised. read more

Overall, I was pleased with my experience. I went in to change my last name after I got married. I randomly decided to stop in around 9:30am and was out by 10:30am on a Thursday. Not bad! But apparently it could have gone a lot faster. There were a few things wrong with the process that I want to mention. For starters, if you are there for a last name change...whatever number your ticket spits out, make sure is starts with the letter A. I pushed the wrong button so I got a J-number and was waiting for about 50 minutes. The A numbers go super fast, so keep that in mind. Another thing, I wasn't aware they expect you to bring your original social security card. I thought I was going to be turned away but he let me proceed without it. So if you have it, bring it just in case another clerk isn't so nice. Lastly, just be sure you have the following: a completed application, original marriage certificate and proof of U.S. citizenship (I used my passport). With those 3 things, you should be good to go. But if you do have your original SS card, bring that too just to be extra safe. And as most people have said, the entrance isn't as obvious as the address. It's actually on Ash St. across the paid parking lot. Good luck! read more

I must agree with the majority of the reviews here---Surprisingly, a relatively painless experience for a Government office! I needed to get a replacement for my Social Security card and the downtown location was the closest office to where I live. I printed out the replacement form from their website (HIGHLY recommend to do this instead of waiting to do it onsite) and scored street parking a block away from the office. I arrived at 8:40am to the Card Office whose entrance is off of Ash Street --for all other services, head on over to the Front Street entrance. There were 3 people in line before me but the security guy opened the front door about 5 min before 9am. He gave everyone a ticket once you checked in. Barely 2 minutes after being seated, I was called up to the window. The rep asked me a few questions and barely 5 minutes later, I was out the door with the promise that my replacement card would be in the mail within 7-10 business days. I actually received it three days later....totally quick. The entire process was smooth, efficient and most importantly--not at all traumatizing. Perks--the facility and the restrooms were clean and well kept. Highly recommend. read more

This place makes the DMV look like child's play. Absolutely no appointments, and make sure you have all the correct paperwork before you roll into this place. You will wait longer than two hours, so make sure to park in a lot vs. at a meter. If you leave to feed the meter and they call your number, you miss out on your turn and need to start over. The waiting area is crowded and once it reaches capacity, security makes you wait outside - rain or shine, newborns or disabled alike. read more

I went to the Card Center to change my name after getting married. I work downtown, and went first thing in the morning since I figured it would get busier as the day went on. The doors to the Social Secuirty office open at 9. I got to the builing around 8:40, and I was the 4th person in line when I got there. Not too bad. After the Security Guard opened the door, he led us to get a number and asked everyone if they had filled out the necessary form. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. It wasn't bad at all. Easy, Fast, and was able to stop for coffee on the way back. Please note, that there is no private lot for the Social Security Office. There is meter or private parking lots that you have to pay to use (usually $5 for 1st hour) The Social Security Office does NOT validate parking. read more

San Diego Social Security Administration I am impressed. Came here to sort out an error that was made on my social security record. Idk how it took 28 years for the SS admin to figure out there was an error on my record but whatevs. Arrived around 10am on a Tuesday. Street parking was alllll taken so I had to park in the private lot across from the SS Admin. It was $12.00 which was outrageous but it did give me 12 hours of parking and when I was leaving there was a family coming in that I was able to give my ticket to so at least I was able to make a good deed out of it. Considering this is San Diego and it seems like people are out and about all day I expected the SS Admin to be a nightmare. I walked in and the very nice security guard instructed me to go to the machine to get a number and to take a form. There was a woman in front of me having trouble with the machine and the very nice security gentlemen came over to help. My number was A6 and they were up to A94. I expected to be there a while but 15 mins later my number was called! They are no nonsense when it comes to being present when your number is called. I watched a few people have to get new numbers because they were gone when theirs was called. I went up to the desk, completed my transaction and was out of there! A surprisingly smooth experience I must say! read more

I had the very fortunate luck in getting in and out of here with no problem and no long line. Maybe I got lucky I don't know. I went on a Tuesday at around 2pm. I went to get new card to change to married name. Brought my paperwork already filled out though I doubt that would have made it worse if I hadn't. The woman who helped me was sweet and helpful. read more